25 January 2007
Body recovery operation underway on Mt Cook
An operation is underway in Mt Cook / Aoraki National Park to recover two bodies of climbers located this morning.
Constable Carl Pedersen says that three Japanese climbers left the Plateau Hut early yesterday morning to climb Mt Cook via the Linda Glacier. They were descending later last night when there was an abseiling accident around 9pm on the Summitt Rocks. As a result two fell and were killed.
The bodies have been located on the Upper Linda Ice Shelf - about 3500 metres high by the Department of Conservation Alpine Rescue team and a recovery is underway this morning.
The third climber walked down to the Plateau Hut last night to get help and raise the alarm. It is believed the three climbers had reached the summit of Mt Cook and were on their way down.
At this time there is no further information as to the ages, sex or any other details about the climbers. This will be released as we are able.
Maggie LEASK
Communications Manager
Canterbury District Police